Reno Candy Shop Owner Returns From President Trump's Made in America Week

A company from each of the 50 states was selected to go to the White House last week for President Trump's Made in America Week. The President tapped local candy maker Joseph Dutra of Kimmie Candy.

“It was amazing! You always see him on television and he's always bigger than life,” said Dutra. “He's a tall guy, but you actually get to shake his hand and he thanks you for doing business in the United States.”

Dutra was surprised when he got the invitation; in fact, he thought it was a prank.

The president sampled the Kimmie Candy pretzel bites and a special red, white, and blue chocolate assortment, which the President and his aides enjoyed.

"When the President came to our table he was given pretzel bites he said 'Good.' He liked them."

Dutra shared his story of manufacturing in Korea several years ago to now employing over 40 people and making 2 million pounds of candy a year right in Reno.

“This is what the President is trying to accomplish. He's trying to create more jobs in the United States and companies like mine that decided to repatriate and bring their manufacturing on shore are the companies that he's trying to say other companies need to emulate.”

That's some sweet recognition considering Joe's humble beginnings.

"This is the American dream. I was a farmer before in Sacramento, California and I started this candy company as a sideline business for my kids....You got to have a lot of grit and got to work really hard, but at then end, you have the ability to meet the President of the United States and he thanks you for creating jobs in the USA."

Last week was the first Made in America Week intended to honor companies making their products in the United States. It is something the President plans to hold every July.

At a ceremony President Trump said he hopes increased demand for U.S. made goods will spur more domestic manufacturing.